Google at 25: Sundar Pichai's Nostalgic Tale and the Promise of AI | Happy Birth Day Google

Introduction In September 1998, two decades before the term "smartphone" became a household word, a young student in the United St...

Introduction

In September 1998, two decades before the term "smartphone" became a household word, a young student in the United States sent an email to his father in India. That student was Sundar Pichai, and the email marked the beginning of a journey that would lead him to become the CEO of one of the world's most influential tech giants, Google. 

This month, as Google celebrates its 25th anniversary, Sundar Pichai shared a nostalgic tale about his first email exchange with his father, highlighting the remarkable evolution of technology and reaffirming Google's commitment to the future through artificial intelligence (AI).

The Humble Email Exchange

In a heartfelt letter shared on the Google blog, Sundar Pichai reminisces about his time as a student in the U.S. and the excitement of communicating with his father, who had just obtained his first email address in India. Pichai was eager to embrace this new and affordable means of communication and promptly sent his father an email.

However, he was met with an unexpected delay—two days to be exact. The response he received was unexpectedly formal: "Dear Mr. Pichai, email received. All is well."

Perplexed by this delay and formality, Pichai decided to call his father to unravel the mystery. What he learned was both amusing and emblematic of the technology of the time. His father's workplace had retrieved the email on an office computer, printed it out, and physically delivered it to him. Pichai's father then dictated a response, which was transcribed and eventually sent back to him.

See more Images of Sudar's family

Generational Shifts in Technology

Pichai's humorous tale underscores the astonishing evolution of communication technology over the past quarter-century. He draws a parallel between his father's experience and that of his own son, who, with a smartphone in hand, can capture moments, share photos with friends, and engage in messaging—all within seconds.

The stark contrast between these two experiences serves as a testament to how different generations have adapted to evolving digital tools. What once seemed like science fiction to Pichai's father—such as taking a call from a watch or instructing a car to play a favorite song—is now second nature to today's youth.

"These shrugs give me great hope for the future," Pichai remarks, "They set a high bar for what the next generation will build and invent... and I can’t wait to see what will make their children shrug, too."

Google's Vision for the Future: AI

In addition to reminiscing about the past, Pichai expresses optimism about Google's future, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). He notes that Google is only scratching the surface of what the next wave of technology can achieve and how quickly it can advance. Already, one million people are using generative AI in Google Workspace to write and create.

Pichai's confidence in AI's potential is a testament to Google's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, it is clear that Google's journey has only just begun, with AI playing a pivotal role in shaping the future.

Looking Ahead: Android 14 and Pixel 8

As part of the festivities surrounding its 25th anniversary, Google recently unveiled a visual makeover of the Android brand. This update sets the stage for the launch of Android 14 and the much-anticipated Pixel 8 series. These developments further underscore Google's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users and staying at the forefront of the industry.

Conclusion

Google's 25th anniversary provides a moment for reflection on the remarkable journey of a company that has become synonymous with the internet age. Sundar Pichai's nostalgic tale of his first email exchange with his father serves as a poignant reminder of how far technology has come. It also underscores Google's unwavering commitment to shaping the future through innovations like artificial intelligence.

As we celebrate Google's 25 years of innovation and influence, we can only imagine what the next quarter-century will bring. If Pichai's optimism is any indication, the future holds boundless possibilities, and Google will continue to be at the forefront of it all, shaping the way we connect, communicate, and innovate in a rapidly changing world.